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Bianchi - I'm happy at City

By Peter Fraser

Rolando Bianchi has told Manchester City manager Sven Goran Eriksson he intends to stay and fight for his place in the starting line-up at Eastlands.

The Italian forward has struggled to secure a regular place in Eriksson's first XI since his £8.8million summer move from Reggina.

However, Bianchi has found the back of the net in his last two games, against Tottenham and Bolton, as Eriksson rotates his squad in anticipation of the Premier League's hectic festive schedule.

And Bianchi insists he is happy to stay and compete at City, despite the expected January arrival of Nery Castillo on a season-long loan from Shakhtar Donetsk after the Mexican striker watched Eriksson's side ease to a 4-2 win over Bolton on Saturday.

Future

"I do not want to leave, I see a future for me here," Bianchi told the Manchester Evening News.

"Getting into the side and staying there is a challenge for me and I want to win that challenge.

"It was important for my confidence that I was able to come on at Spurs and score and then start the game against Bolton.

"Now I hope that goal will be the start of many. I have worked hard and aim to make the most of my chance."